WASHINGTON, D.C.—  Following Trump’s Department of Justice’s announcement they would be dropping the case against former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, Democratic Attorneys General Association Co-Chairs Massachusetts AG Maura Healey and Oregon AG Ellen Rosenblum released the following statement.

Statement from Massachusetts AG Maura Healey and Oregon AG Ellen Rosenblum, Co-Chairs of the Democratic Attorneys General Association:

“William Barr’s Justice Department this week, through Acting United States Attorney, Tim Shea, moved to dismiss charges against former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about improper contacts with Russia—a federal crime.”

“This presents more than a threat to the rule of law in America. It’s a head-on attack on our democracy and our system of checks and balances. Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia. A federal judge accepted his plea after thoroughly reviewing the evidence. Flynn was amply represented by counsel.”

“The decision by Attorney General Barr to drop the charges now is pure politics — and is the kind of behavior from this reckless administration we have unfortunately come to expect. What no foreign power could do, Trump has done — repeatedly: With the help of the likes of his hand-selected Attorney General, he has undermined the protections that our system of laws should guarantee.”

“Time and again Democratic Attorneys General have successfully gone to court to remind the President: No one is above the law. Today we again encourage all leaders, regardless of party, to call out this corrosive behavior. And we encourage all voters to take note that this is not the Democracy they should choose to perpetuate.”

“While the people of our country are confronting the COVID-19 crisis, the President and his Attorney General think we are not watching. Let us be clear: All Americans are watching. Sadly, we see that what used to be an independent U.S. Department of Justice we could be proud of has, in one too many instances, fallen prey to extreme politics and the corrupt behavior of those in charge.”

###